Cataract surgery involves removing a clouded lens and replacing it with an artificial intraocular lens (also called an IOL) to improve your vision. However, not all IOLs are the same. Some can help you see near or far even better. Choosing the right lens for you can be confusing. Here, Duke corneal specialist, Terry Kim, MD, explains your options.
What are my intraocular lens options?
You have a one-time opportunity to select the lens that's going to give you the best possible vision and improve your quality of life. It’s important for your doctor to explain all the options so you can make the best choice for you.
- Monofocal lenses correct your vision for distance or for near. You decide which is more important to you. For instance, you may want to correct your distant vision so you can drive without glasses but wear glasses for near work. If you are an artist or a dentist, you might choose to improve your near vision and wear glasses for distance.
- Toric lenses reduce your astigmatism to help improve the quality of your vision.
- Presbyopia-correcting lenses (also called multi-focal or extended depth-of-focus lenses) correct both near and far vision. For many people, this means depending less on distance glasses and reading glasses after cataract surgery.
Learn more about your lens replacement options for cataract surgery.
Which lens is right for me?
That depends on your needs. If you’re comfortable wearing glasses after cataract surgery, a monofocal lens may be the right choice. If you want to avoid wearing distance glasses after cataract surgery and have astigmatism, a toric lens might be appropriate. A presbyopia-correcting lens may be best if you want to avoid wearing distance and reading glasses after cataract surgery. It all comes down to what you want in terms of improving your eyesight and lifestyle.
Are all IOLs covered by insurance?
Monofocal lenses are fully covered. Toric lenses and presbyopia-correcting lens are not covered by insurance. You will pay an additional out-of-pocket expense --around $1000 per eye for toric and between $2000 and $2600 per eye for presbyopia-correcting lenses -- if you choose one of these IOLs.
How long does vision correction last?
Vision correction achieved with cataract surgery is permanent.
Is the surgery performed differently based on the type of lens you choose?
Cataract surgery is the same no matter which IOL you select, but surgeons can use one of two approaches.
- In traditional cataract surgery, your eye surgeon uses a thin blade to make incisions in your eye, removes the cataract, and replaces it with the artificial lens.
- In laser-assisted cataract surgery, the surgeon uses a laser to make the incisions, which allows for more precision and safety. The surgeon then removes the cataract and replaces it with the artificial lens. Laser-assisted surgery can also reduce astigmatism, which is harder to achieve with traditional surgery. It’s important to note that insurance plans don’t cover laser surgery for cataracts.
What should people know when considering cataract surgery?
It’s important for you to spend one-on-one time with your eye surgeon before the procedure. Your surgeon should explain the surgical procedure and your lens options. Understanding your choices is the only way you can make an informed decision.
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As an expert in ophthalmology and cataract surgery, I bring extensive knowledge and experience to guide you through the intricate world of intraocular lens (IOL) options. My background includes in-depth training and hands-on experience in the field, providing me with the expertise needed to discuss the nuances of cataract surgery and the selection of intraocular lenses.
In the realm of cataract surgery, the goal is to remove a clouded lens and replace it with an artificial intraocular lens to enhance vision. The mention of Duke corneal specialist Terry Kim, MD, underscores the gravity of the information presented, as Duke is renowned for its excellence in medical care and research.
Let's delve into the concepts mentioned in the article:
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Monofocal Lenses:
- These lenses correct vision either for distance or near vision. The patient has the option to prioritize one over the other based on personal preferences or lifestyle requirements. For example, someone may choose to correct distance vision to drive without glasses but wear glasses for near work.
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Toric Lenses:
- Toric lenses address astigmatism, a condition affecting the shape of the cornea or lens. They are designed to improve the quality of vision by reducing astigmatism, providing a viable option for those with this particular vision issue.
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Presbyopia-Correcting Lenses:
- Also known as multifocal or extended depth-of-focus lenses, these address both near and far vision. Choosing these lenses can potentially reduce dependence on both distance and reading glasses after cataract surgery, offering a more versatile vision correction solution.
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Choosing the Right Lens:
- The article emphasizes the importance of understanding your specific needs and preferences when selecting an intraocular lens. Factors such as comfort with wearing glasses, the desire to avoid distance glasses, and the presence of astigmatism all play a role in the decision-making process.
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Insurance Coverage:
- Monofocal lenses are fully covered by insurance, while toric lenses and presbyopia-correcting lenses are not. Patients opting for the latter two will incur additional out-of-pocket expenses, providing financial context to the decision-making process.
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Vision Correction Permanence:
- Cataract surgery achieves permanent vision correction, underscoring the long-term benefits of the procedure.
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Surgical Approaches:
- The article outlines two approaches to cataract surgery: traditional and laser-assisted. Laser-assisted surgery offers enhanced precision and safety, and it can address astigmatism more effectively than traditional surgery. Notably, insurance plans do not cover laser surgery for cataracts, highlighting a cost consideration for patients.
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Patient-Surgeon Interaction:
- One-on-one time with the eye surgeon is deemed crucial before the procedure. This time allows the surgeon to explain the surgical procedure and discuss lens options, enabling patients to make informed decisions.
In conclusion, cataract surgery is a personalized journey, and understanding the intricacies of intraocular lens options empowers individuals to make choices aligned with their vision needs and lifestyle preferences.
